Automatic control of centrifugal extractors



Nov. 25, 1941. -J. J. NEUMAN AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Filed April 9, 1937 '7 Sheets-Sheet l QPxbOQ-l NELWMAN Nov. 25, 1941. J, NE MAN 2,264,247

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF OEN'IRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Filed April 9, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 OO-O 000000 VIII/1111111111111!!! O Nov. 25, 1941. J. J.- NEUMAN AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Filed April 9, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 nmobs ueuwrw mvni wm Nov. 25, 1941. J. J. NEUMAN 2,264,247

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Filed April 9, 19:57 7 Sheets-Shet 4 Q Q m a n m m Nov. 25, 1941. J. NEUMAN 2,264,247

AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Filed April 9, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 awe/whom mmmumfl Nov. 25, 1941. 'J. J. NEUMAN AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS 7 sheets-sheet 7 Filed April 9, 1937 Ema/M300 QACOBJNEUMAN v Patented Nov. 25,1941

T OFFICE AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF CENTRIFUGAL EXTRACTORS Jacob J. Neuman, Jamaica, N. Y., assignor to United States Patent Development and Royalty Company, South Salem, N. Y., a company of New York Application April 9, 1937, Serial No. 135,879

11 Claims.

This invention relates to centrifugal extractor machines and more particularly to a sequence control for the cycles of the machines.

An object of this invention is to provide an automatic control means for the cycles of extractor machines so that a series of extractor machines will operate in sequence and thereby discharge into a conveyor in such a manner as not to crowd the conveyor.

At the present time it is the practice to provide control means for the discharge of the extractor machines, but where a series of such machines discharge into a common conveyor the individual control means cannot be accurately timed so that no two machines will discharge at the same time.

then

With the foregoing and other objects in view,

the invention will be more fully described hereto like or corresponding parts throughout the The individual control means for the machines results in the acceleration of several machines at once which places an undue load on the power lines for the motors. It is, therefore, another object of this invention to provide a control means for use with any number of extractor machines which are arranged for discharge into a common conveyor which will maintain an even load on the power lines through the progressive acceleration of the motors.

A further object of this invention is to provide a control means of this character which will permit the ready inspection of the extractor machines at any time during each cycle so that the operator may inspect one machine and then progress to the next onewhereas when the sequence control is not used the operator never knows which machine will discharge next.

A still further object of this machine is to provide a control means which is capable of various adjustments so that the cycle of each machine may be lengthened or shortened dependent upon the character of the material.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a control means for the cycle of operation of the extractor motor so that where a sugar with heavy or sticky molasses or a small grain sugar is being run through the extractor and requires a longer spinning time the increase in the length of the cycle will also control the quantity of water and the time before the wash water is applied.

This control of the extractor may be expressed as follows:

T1=the time of cycle T2=the time elapsed before the water is applied T3=the amount of water S =the speed of the motor several views, I s

Figure 1 is a detail side elevation, partly broken away, of a centrifugal extractor control means constructed according to an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which the extractor machines are operated in sequence by means of this invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the control means.

Figure 4 is a detail front elevation, partly broken away, of the control means.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary front elevation of one of the switch members in opened position and about to be engaged by the switch operating member.

Figure '7 is view similar to Figure 6 but showing the switch member in closed position.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a detail front elevation of the pilot motor and the control panel therefor.

Figure 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line lill0 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line |I|I of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary end elevation of one end of the control panel.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuits incorporated in this control system.

Figur 14 is a diagrammatic view of the entire system.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral l 0 designates a horizontally disposed frame which in the present instance is disposed in an elevated position andwhich is secured to the upper end of a vertically disposed frame II. It is the general practice in the use and operation of centrifugal extractor machines to provide a number of these machines which discharge their product into one or more conveyors which convey the material to a collector which then carries the material to the desired point for distribution or other disposal. During the operation of the extractor machine, it is the practice to use a solvent in the form of water which is fed to the machine during each cycle until the material is in such a condition that it may be discharged from the extractor machine. The provision of individual timing mechanisms for each machine are costly and in addition such mechanism cannot be regulated to the point where a satisfactory discharge of a series of machines can be effected without crowding or clogging of the conveyor and the consequent shutting down of certain machines and slowing up of other machines;

In Figure 2, there is shown a series of centrifugal machines I2 and a second series of centrifugal machines I3 which are disposed in a'linem'ent and which discharge into conveyors I4 and I5, respectively. The conveyors I4 and I5 are in alinement and move toward each other and discharge their product onto a chute or third conveyor I6 which then moves the material to the desired point for additional treatment or other disposition. Any number of centrifugal machines l2 and I3 may be disposed in each series; there being shown seven such machines in the two series by Way of illustration.

The motors which run the various machines I2 and- I3 are under the control of a mechanism similar to the mechanism set forth in my co-pending application Serial No. 45,524, filed October 10, 1935, the motor control mechanism being operated by pilot motors, and there being one pilot motor for each centrifugal machine. The operation of these pilot motors controls the cycle of each machine; and itis in order to provide a mechanism to control the operation of these pilot motors that the hereinafter described device has been constructed. I

The vertical supporting frame I I is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced apart switch supporting members I1. which are disposed in vertical alinement and a second series of vertically spaced apart switch supporting members I8 are secured to the frame II substantially opposite the supporting members I I.

, The supporting members I'I comprise an arm I9 which is provided with a tapered inner end 29 andv which has a boss 2| outwardly of the longitudihal center thereof engaging a trunnion 22 which is fixedly secured to the frame I I. A liquid switch member 3 is removably mounted in clips 24 secured to a yielclable supporting strap or bar 25 which is secured at one end, as by a bolt 26;.--

to the under side of the arm 19'. The witch member 23 is adapted to have a quantity of mercury disposed therein, and is provided with a pair of spaced apart contacts 28 and 29 which are adapted to be engaged by the mercury when:

the arm I9 is in raised position. The contacts 28 and 29 are adapted to be connected by relatively fleiiible conductors to terminals 38 and 3I carried by the frame II, which terminals 39 and 3] are in turn adapted to be connected to the circuits of the pilot motors as shown in Figs; 13 and 14. g

The inner or free end of the resilient strap 25 is adjusted relative to the arm I9 by means of an adjusting bolt 32 which is threaded through the arm I9 adjacent the inner nd thereof and which engages the strap 25 so as to hold the switch 23 in the desired angular position with respect to the. arm I9 and thus forih one means for regiintin'gi the time during which the switch gs; is closed through engagement or the globule 21 wi' h the contacts 28 and 29. An adjusting screw 33 is threaded through an L-shaped bracket 34 which is fastened to the frame II, and the lower end of this screw 33 is adapted to engage the outer or short end of the rock arm I9 so as to limit the downward swinging movement of this arm to a circuit breaking position. Preferably a nonconducting block or insulating member 35 is carried by the outer or short end of the arm I9, and this member 35 may also serve as a cushioning means for the outer end of the arm I9. The interval of time between two successive closings of one of the switches 23 determines the duration 'oftime of one complete cycle of the parti'cul'a'r machine with which the pilot motor circult of thissWi-tch 2 3 is associated.

Water controlling switch members 23a are disposed in opposed relation to the switch members being mounted in clips 24 which are secured .to supporting members I8. The supporting members lficompr'i'se a rock arin I90; provided with a boss 2102' which engages a trunnion 22a. The short armof the rock member I'Sd is provided witha block 3511 engaged" by an adjusting bolt 3312 which is threaded into a bracket 34a fastened to the vertical su porting frame H. The switch member 23a has conductors 28a and 29d secured thereto in spaced relation similar to the conductors 28 and 29 of the switch member 23, and these conductors 28a and 29a are c'o'nnected t0 terminals 36a and 3111.

The switches 23 are rocked to a circuit closing position by means of a striker or tripping member 36. This tripping member or striker 35 comprises an elongated bar 31' provided with an elongated slot 38, and an adjusting bolt 39 engages through the slot 38' and adjustably secures thebar 31 to' the bracket 390; which is secured in outstanding position to one side of a flexible member 40 in" the form of an endless chain or the like. The chain 49' is trained over upper and lower sprockets M and 42', respectively, which are mounted on shafts 44 and 45', respectively. The shaft 44' is journalled i'n bearings 46 carried by the upper portion of the frame II, and the shaft 45' is jourii'all'e'd' in bearings 41 carried by the lower portion of the frame II.

A sprocket or pulley 48 is secured to the shaft 44 and has a flexible member 49 trained thereover, the flexible member 49 being also trained over a second sprocket or pulley 59 mounted on a count'ershaft. The countershaft 5| carrying the countersprocket 56' has a relatively large sprocket 52 secured thereto, and a fiexible member'53 engages over this sprocket 52. A sprocket 54 engages the flexible" member 53, and this sprocket 54 is secured to a reduction gearing 55 of conventional construction. The reduction gearing 55 is operated by means of a shaft 56 whichis connectedto a motor or power member 51-. The motor 51 is connected to a suitable source of electric current supply by means of conductors 58, 59; 69. Preferably, the amount of current supplied the motor 57 is controlled through the medium of a i'heostat 6| which is interposed in the conductor 53. A switch 62 may be interposed in the conductor 59 so as to cut off the current supply when desired. While the reduction gearing 55 and the reducing sprockets connecting this gearing with 'the shaft 44 will reduce the speed of operation of this shaft, the speed of the shaft 44 may be further reduced through the operation of the resistance or r-heostat 6I so that any desired timing may be effected for the switches 23.

The switches 23a may be tripped by means of a tripping member 63 which is secured to the chain 48 on the side thereof opposite from the tripping member 36. This tripping member 63 may be secured to the opposite side of the tripping member 36 in a position so that when the tripping member 36 is on the front run of the chain 48 the tripping member 63 is on the rear run of the chain. The spacing between these tripping members 36 and 63 may be varied at will, and if desired additional tripping members of the same type may. be secured to the chain 48 so as to in this manner effect a more rapid tripping of the switches 23 and 23a.

The front run of the chain 48 moves upward ly, and the lowermost switch 23 is secured to the pilot motor controlling the centrifugal machine closest to the chute or conveyor I6 in the series I2 of these machines, and in like manner the lowermost switch 230. is connected to the water controlling circuit of the same centrifugal machine in the series I2. The succeeding switches 23 are connected to the succeeding centrifugal machines in the series I2 from the innermost machine tothe outermost machine, so that the cycle of each centrifugal machine is set in operation in sequence beginning with the innermost machine. In this manner, the innermost machine will complete its cycle and discharge its load onto the conveyor I4, and the remaining machines will follow in sequence until the last machine in the series has completed its cycle and discharged its load. The tripping member 36 now continues up the panel II tripping the switches 23 associated with the series of machines I3, starting likewise with the innermost machine and continuing until the machines in the series I3 have all completed their cycle and discharged into the conveyor I5. In the meantime, the tripping member 63 has been tripping the switches 23a, thus turning on the water for each of the machines at the proper time as determined by its position relative to the tripping member 36.

In order to provide a means whereby the num-' ber of cycles may be registered or counted, I have provided a counting device 64 which is operatively engaged with one of the supporting members I1, and is moved forward one division each time this one supporting member I! is tripped by the tripping member 36.

In Figures 9 to 12 inclusive, there is disclosed a pilot motor and control means for the extractor motor which comprises a motor 65 which is adapted to be connected to a source of current supply as will be hereinafter described, and this motor 65 has a drive pulley 66 over which a belt 61 engages. The belt 6'! engages a driven pulley 68 secured to a shaft 69 which is journalled in bearings I8 and 'II carried by a panel or base I2. The shaft 69 is provided intermediate the bearings I8 and II with a threaded portion 13 which is engaged by a nut 74 carried by a carriage or bridge I5. The base or panel I2 is provided with an elongated contact strip I1 and a second contact strip 8Ia which is relatively shorter in length than the strip I! and is parallel thereto. The base 12 is also provided with longitudinally spaced apart contacts 18, I9, 88, and 8| which are in alinement with the contact strip 8Ia. These short contact members I8 to 8Ia inclusive, are adapted to be connected in electric circuits as will be hereinafter described. The bar or bridging member I5 is provided with a wiper 82 engaging the contact strip 11, and is also provided with a second wiper '83 engaging the contact strips I8 to 8Ia inclusive. The two wipers 82 and 83 are connected together by a connector 84.

A frictional switch operating member, generally designated as 85, engages the shaft 69 at the end opposite from the pulley 68 and comprises a pair of blocks 86 and 81 which are provided with opposed substantially semi-circular recesses to engage about .the smooth surface of the shaft 69, and these'blocks 86 and 81 are frictionallv held about the shaft 69 by means of a pair of bolts 88 and 89 which are tensioned by means of springs 98 and 9|, respectively. The bolt 89 is provided with an elongated extension 92 which is threaded, and locknuts 93 are threaded on to the threaded portion 92 and. engage against the inner block 81. A weight or balancing member 94 is threaded onto the extension 92 and is adapted to be adjusted therealong to maintain the assembly in the desired operative or inoperative position. A look nut 94a may engage against the weight 94 so as to lock the Weight 94 in adjusted position along the length of the threaded extension 92. A'pair of stop members 95 and 96 are carried by the base I2, one on each side of the shaft 69 and are adapted .to be adjusted relative to the adjacent end of the friction clamp member 86 so as to limit the rocking movement of this member upon rotation of the shaft 69. The friction clamping member 85 is provided with a plurality of clips 91 and 98 in which are detachably secured liquid switch members 99 and I88 respectively.

A pair of carriage limit switches I8I and I82 are swingably secured, as by a pivoted arm I83 and I84, respectively, to the panel 12, and disposed in a position for engagement with outstanding arms I85 and I86, respectively, secured to the carriage I5. These switch members I8I and I82 are interposed in electric circuits as will behereinafter described.

In Figure 14 there are disclosed complete electric circuits for the automatic control means hereinbefore described. The switch member 23 has one side thereof connected as by a wire I81 to the negative side of a source of current supply, and the other side of the switch 23 is connected as by a wire I88 to a wire I89 which is connected to one side of the switch member 99. The other side of the switch 99 is connected as by a wire I I8 to the negative line I I I. The wire I89 connects the switch member 99 with one side of the limit switch I8I, and a resistance element H2 is interposed in the wire I89 for the purpose of changing the potential of the current to the pilot motor 65.

The switch member I82 is connected at one side to a wire I I3, and the other side of the limit switch I82 is connected as by a wire II4 to a wire II5 which is connected to the pilot motor 65. Preferably, the wire H5 is connected to the armature of the motor 65. The field coil of the motor is connected as by a wire I I6 to the negative line III, and is connected as by a wire 'I I! to the positive line II8. A resistance H9 is preferably interposed in the wire I I7, wire I I'Ia connecting the resistance II9 with the motor 65. A resistance I28 is interposed in a shunt wire I2I which is connected across the wire I89 and a wire I22, which is connected to the opposite side of the limit switch I8I. This wire I22 is connected tothe wire I I 5 and the resistance I28 coacts with the resistance H2 in producing the properretions 45,524 and 46,069.

switch sistance to reverse the potentials to thearmature of the motor 65. The wire I I3 connecting one side of the limit switch I02 with wire .I45h'as a resistance I23 interposed therein. The other side of the motor armature is connected as by a wire I24 .to a neutral line I25. Inorder toprevent undue arcing between the contact members 11- to BI inclusive, when the wiper moves thereover a condenser I26 is interposed in a wire I21 connecting the positive line II8 with the switch I 88.

' The hereinbefore described control means are adapted to be connected to the electric motor for the extractor and associated directly with the extractor as embodied in my co-pending applica- The extractor motor I28 is connected as by a wire I29 to the negative side III of the current supply, and a wire I30 connects the positive line I I8 to a resistancestrip I3I which is secured to the panel 12 on theside of the shaft 69 opposite from the contact strips 11 and Bio. .A second resistance strip I32 is secured to the panel 12 in parallel relation with the resistance I3I and this strip I32 is connected as by a wire I33 to the other side of the motor I28. A bridging member I34 is secured to the carriage 15 and engages the two resistance strips I32 and I33 so asto control the speed of the extractor motor I28 by movement of the carriage 15.

The extractor I35 has a plow shaft I36 which is movable vertically as described in the aforementioned pending applications and the plow shaft I36 is provided with an arm m which is adapted to engage a switch member I38 which is biased to an open position so as to close this switch I38 when the plow shaft I36 rises vertically from the bottom or the extractor I35 for a short distance. The switch I38 has one side thereof connected by a wire I39 to the positive line H8 and the other side of the switch I38 is connected by a wire I40 to the wire II3 between the resistance I23 and th limit switch I02. A resistance I I! is interposed in this wire I40. A wire IE3 is connected to the contact 18 and to the wire I36 between the resistance MI and the I38. A switch I44 is interposed in this wire I43. The contact memberlil is connected by a wire I which is connected to the friction switch I00. A wire I63 is connected at one end to the contact 8I and at the opposite end to a switch I31 which is positioned for engagement with the arm I31 carried by the plow shaft I36 after the plow shaft I36 has been raised to the limit of its upward movement. This switch I41 is biased to an open position so that when the shaft I36 is moved downwardly, the switch I41 will be moved to an open position. The opposite side of the switch I41'is connected by a wire I46 to the contact 80.

A contact 8Ia is secured tothe panel 12 in 'alinement with the contacts 18 to 8I inclusive, and this contact BIa is connected by a wire I49 to one side of a switch I50 which is secured to the discharge nozzle 'I'5I in a position for engagement with the gate or closure I52 when this gate I52 is moved to a closed position. The opposite side of the switch I50 is connected by a wire I53a to the wire I53. I

In order to provide a means whereby the operation of the pilot motor 65 may be manually changed at will, I have provided a manually operable switch I50 which is-interposed in a wire I5 5 connected at one end to the wire I39 and at the otherv endto the wire I40. A second manualdown the extractor motor I28.

ly operable switch I55a is interposed in a wire I56 which is connected at one end to the wire I I0 and at the other end to thewire I09. In the event the extractor motor I28 attains an excess speed the pilot motor is reversed by means of an overspeed switch I51 which is operatively connected to the motor I28 andisnormally open. The switch I51 isconnected by a wire I58 to the wire I10 and is connected by awire I59 to the wire I56. In this manner, when the extractor motor I28 attainsan excess speed the switch I51 will close, thereby placing the resistance I20 in the circuit of themotor 55 and reversing the potential so that the motor 65 will thereby reverse and move to the slow speed end of the resistance members I3I and I32.

A solenoid operated water controlling means I60 is carried by the extractor I35 and is connected to one side of a switch 23a by means of a wire I61, and to the power line III by means of a wire I62. Wire I63 connects the other side of switch 23a to power line I I8.

In the operation of this control device, the switch I44is manually closed and the motor 51 is set in operation by closing the switch 62. The speed of the motor 51 isregulated in accordance with the character of the material being run through the extractor I35 and when the motor 51 rotates the chain 40 is moved so as to close the switches 23 and 23a in progression.

The closing of the switch 23 will bridge the switch 99 so as to tart the motor 65, assuming that the carriage 15 is at the right hand end of the panel 12 as viewed in Figure 9. The switch I8I will be in closed position and the switch I02 in open position, so that when the switch 23 is closed the motor 65 will be started in a direction to move the carriage 15 across the panel 12 from right to left. As soon as the screw 69 starts to rotate, this causes the friction assembly 85 to swing so as to close the switch 99 and open the switch I06. The carriage 15 continues to move toward the left. As soon as the carriage 15 has moved to the left a short distance, the outstanding arm I06 allows the pivoted arm I00 to swing to a vertical position by gravity, thus closing the switch I02. This, however, has no immediate effect as the switch I00 is now open. By this time, thechain 60 has moved sufficiently so that the switch 23 has dropped back to its normal position and is open. However, the motor 65 does not stop as the switch 99 is now closed and it is no longer necessary to bridge it to energize the motor 65, so the carriage 15 continues to move to the left. At thesame time, the wiper I34 moves along the resistance strips I3I and I32, thereby gradually increasing the resistance and slowing The wipers 82 and 83 are also moving to the left and, referring to Fig. 14 the wiper 82 is in continuous contact with the segment 11 and the wiper 83 successively passes over the contacts 89a, 8I, and 19 in the order named. This, however, has no effect at this time, as the friction switch I00 is in open position. 4

However, when the wiper '83 comes in contact with the contact strip 18, referring to Fig. '13, a circuit is completed from the positive line IIB to the contact strip 11 and thence through the wiper 82, the wire 84, the wiper 83, the contact strip 18, the wires 143 and I60, the resistance I4I and the switch I02 to the motor 65. In the meantime, the outstanding finger I05 has tilted the switchIllI to open position, thus removingthe shunt I09 around the resistor I20. This results in a higher potential being delivered to the motor 65 from the positive line H8 than from th negative line I I which reverses the motor 65, causing it to turn in a direction so as to move the carriage I to the right as viewed in Fig. 9.

As the direction of rotation of the shaft 68 changes, the friction assembly 85 tilts so as to close the switch I55 and open the switch 98. The carriage I5 continues to move to the right until the wiper 83 engages in the space between the contact members 88 and I3. This space is sufiicien'tly large so that the wiper 83' will not contact with the contact members 88 and I9 at the same time, thus breaking the circuit to the motor 65 and causing the motor '65 to stop.

When the motor 65 is stopped with the carriage I5 at this position, the wiper I34 is at such a position on the resistance strips I3I and I 32 that the extractor motor I28 is operated at a slow speed suitable for plowing out or discharging the extractor I35. The plow shaft I36 is now lowered as described in the aforementioned copending applications, and when the extractor I35 is empty, it is gradually raised and as the arm I31 contacts with the switch I38, it closes it for a short period, thus starting up the motor 565 and effecting a movement of the carriage to the right, as viewed in Fig. 9. The wiper 83 is thus moved across the contact strip 88 and onto the contact strip BI and stops due to the fact that since the plow shaft I36 has not raised'sufiiciently the switch I4! is still open. The plow shaft ISGcontinues to rise until the arm .I3I contacts with the switch- I41, which closes it and again starts up the motor 65 and causes movement of the carriage 15150 the right, speeding up the extractor motor I28 to a speed suitable for walling'up the sugar or other fill mass on the sides of the extractor basket I 35. At this time the charging gate I52 is adapted to open, thus opening the switch I58, and as the wiper 83 contacts the strip 8Ia, the motor 65 stops due to the open circuit through the switch I58.

After the extractor is charged, the gate I52 is adapted to close, as described in the aforementioned copending applications, thus closing the switch I58 and starting the motor 65 in a direction to eifect movement of the carriage I5 to the right as viewed in Fig. 9. The wipers 82 and 83 now move along the strips SIa and II without further interruption until theyarrive at the extreme right hand end of the panel I2 when the outstanding" arm I86 tilts the switch I82 to open position, thus opening the circuit to the motor 65,

stopping it and the carriage I5. Meanwhile, the.

wiper I3 has been moving along the 'resistance strips I3! and L32. and is now at the right hand end as viewed. in Fig.9, thus reducing the resistance to zero and accelerating the extractor motor 528 to high speed. When the extractor I has revolved at high speed for a sufficient interval of time, the water is turned on in the extractor This is set by the position on the basket I 35. chain 48 of the adjustable tripping member 63 and the speed of the chain 48, as determined by the speed of the motor 5'! and controlled by th'e The extractor motor I28 continues on high speed for another interval of time until the tripping Inember which trips the switches 23 again closes the switch 23 energizing the pilot motor 65, thereby effecting movement of the carriage I5 to the left and the cycle of events repeats itself in the same manner.

Assuming that all the sugar has been discharged from the extractor I35, the plow shaft I36 starts to rise and when it has progressed'a short distance the switch I38 is closed momentarily. It will be remembered that prior to the closing of the switch I38, as described in the paragraph beginning line 16, column 1 of this page, the pilot motor 65 has been at rest during plowingdue to the wiper 83 being in the non-conductive space between the contact'members l8 and 88. The closing of switch I38 has several eifects.

The first effect of closing the switch I38 is to by-pass the break in the circuit at the wiper 83. The pilot motor 65 thus starts moving the carriage I5 and the wiper 83 to the right and off of said non-conductive space. onto the contact member 83. This causes the circuit to the motor 65 to be maintained through wire I45, closed switch I88, wire II 3, resistance I23, etc. (best seen in Fig. 13). The pilot motor 65"thus continues to operate evenafter switch I38 opens again and the carriage I5 and wiper 83 move across contact member 86 and onto contact mem ber BI The pilot motor 65 now stops due to the fact that switch MI is open, interrupting the circuit to said contact member 8|. However, in moving the carriage I5 this distance to the right the extractor motor I28 has been accelerated almost to charging speed. It will be appreciated that saving of time is an important consideration and this is the main purpose of this feature.

During the time elapsed while the above described events were taking place, the plow shaft I36 has continued to rise out of the extractor I35 and when the wiper 83 stops on contact member 8I is normally almost out of the extractor. However, in a full automatic machine, with an attendant only occasionally present, if something goes wrong the plow shaft I36 might stop part way out of the extractor I35. It would then be undesirable for two reasons to have the extractor accelerate all the way to charging speed, which compared to plowing speed is rather high. First, the plow at this higher speed might dig into the screen of the basket and damage both it and the plow. Secondly, if the extractor reached =charging speed the gate I52 would open and magma would enter the basket and be immediately plowed out again in an unprocessed condition. This might continue for some time until previously processed sugar.

Thus, while it isdesirable, for the purpose of saving time, to complete as far as possible the acceleration of the extractor I35 to charging speed, it is undesirable to have charging actually take place until the plow shaft I36 is all the way out of the'extractor I35. Therefore, the switch I4! is so positioned that the member"l3| of the plow shaft I36 does notclose it until the plowis safely out of the basket.

' The pilot motor 6 5 then starts and accelerates the extractor 'the small remaining amount necessary to reach charging speed and charging is initiated almost immediately. The function of the switch I58 is to again arrest the pilot motor and consequently further acceleration of the extractor until'ch'argin'g' is completed and the gate I52 moses;- thereby againputting switch I59 in closed circuit position. The extractor I 35 is thus maintained at a uniform speed of rotation suit-'- able for charging until charging is entirelycom pleted when it is permitted to accelerate up to high or extracting speed:

It will be appreciated that if no acceleration of the extractor, above plowing speed, was'al lowed until the plow was entirely out of the ex tractor, that considerable time would be consume'd which is all saved by'the me'thod'of oper-' ation abovedescribed.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and design of the above specifically described embodiment of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof, such changes and modifications being restricted only by' the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed i's': I I. In combination; an" extractor, an" electric motor for'operating said extractor; a plow rnech-- anism for discharging said extractor, said plow mechanism being movable to an operative po'si tion-within said extractor to discharge the same; to an initial inoperative positionyand to a final inoperative position, control means electrically connected" to said-electricmotor for varying the speed of said motor, means for operating said controlmeans, means for initiating op erationof said operating means for" said controlmea'risto" control'mean's a predetermined time after said last mentioned initiation of said operating means, and means operatively associated with said plow mechanism. for resuming operation of said operating meansfor said control means toward high speed position of said extractor operating motor when said plow mechanism reaches saidfinal inoperative position;

2 In combination, an extractor; an electric motor for operating said extractor, a circuit for said' motor, a plow mechanism for discharging said extractor, said plow mechanism. being movable to anoperative position within said extractor to discharge the same and to an inoperative position, control means for said electric extractor operating motor comprising a resistance means and control means for cutting said resistance means into and outof said circuit; means for operating the control means, means for initiating operation of said control meansoperating means to out said resistance means into the circuit, means for stopping said control means operating; means when a substantial amount of resistance has been out into said cir-' cuit, means operatively associated with said plow mechanism for initiating operation of said control means operating means to out said resistance out of said circuit when said plow mechanism reaches inoperative position.

3. In combination, an extractor, an electric motor for operating said extractor, a plow mechanism for discharging said extractor, said pl'oW mechanism being movable to an operative" posi tion within said extractor to discharge the same, to an initial operative position, and to a final inoperative position, a circuit for said motor, control means comprising a variable resistance, a movable member associated with said resistance for cutting in and'out increasing and decreasing amouhts'of said resistance in the motor circuit, means for operating said movable member,

means for initiating operation of said movable member operating means to cause said movable member to cut increasing amounts of resistance intosaidcircuit, means associated with said movable member for stopping operation of said operating means when a substantial amount of resistance has been cut into said circuit causing a uniform relativelyslow speed of operation of said motor and extractor, means operatively associated with said plow mechanism to initiate op era'tionof said operating means to cause said movable member to progressively decrease the amount of resistance in said circuit when said plow mechanism reaches said initial inoperative position, means for stopping said operating means after a predetermined amount of such resistance has been cut out of said circuit, and means operatively associated with said plow n'iechan'is'in' for resuming operation of said operating means to cause said movable member to further'decrease the amount of resistance in said circuit when said new mechanism reaches said final inoperative position.

In combination, an extractor, an electric extractor motor 'for'operating-said extractor, a circuit for said'niotor, a variable resistance and a movable member 'opera'tively associated with each other and connected in the circuit to vary the resistance therein by movement of said movable member in opposite directions, a reversible drivingshaft connecte'd'to'drive said movable means in opposite directions to increase and decrease the resistance in said circuit respectively, a reversible" electric actuating means connected to said shaft to' drive the same in opposite directions, initial and continuing circuits for said actuating means. trip means for periodically closing said initial circuit, and normally open switch means in said continuing circuit carried frictionally by said shaftand' tiltable on initial rotation of said shaft to close said switch means.

5'; In combination, an extractor, an electric extractor motor, a circuit for said motor, control means electrically connected to said motor to vary the speed of said motor comprising resistance in said circuit, a member movable back and forth over said resistance to increase and decrease the resistance in said circuit respectively, from an initial position of low resistance, reversible actuating means for said member, trip means'to initially start said actuating means in a direction to increase the resistance in said circuit, continuing means for continuing the operationof said actuating means, means operatively associated with said movable member and said continuing means and said actuating means for discontinuing said continuing means and reversing the direction of movement of said actuating means, means associated with said movable member and with said actuating means to cause stoppage of said actuating means shortly after reversal of said actuating means when the movable member is in such a position that a substantial amount of resistance is included in said circuit to secure a relatively slow speed 0'! operation of said motor for discharge of the extractor, aplow mechanism for the extractor, said plow mechanism being movable'to an operative position within the extractor to discharge the same, to an initial inoperative position, and to a final inoperative position, means operatively associated with mechanism and said actuating means for againrenewing operation of said actuating means to further decrease the resistance in said circuit when the plow mechanism reaches the final inoperative position, a source of material to be centrifuged communicating with said extractor, a movable charging gate for controlling the passage of material from said source to said extractor, means associated with said gate and with said actuating means for causing stoppage of said actuating means in such position that a relatively low amount of resistance is included in said circuit when said gate is in open position to secure uniform operation of said extractor at accelerated speed, means associated with said gate and with said actuating means to start said actuating means in such direction to move the movable member to said initial position of low resistance, and means associated with said movable member and said actuating means for stopping said actuating means When the movable member reaches said initial position of low resistance.

6. In combination, an extractor, an electric extractor motor for operating said extractor, a circuit for said motor, a plow mechanism for discharging said extractor movable to an operative position within said extractor to discharge said extractor and to an inoperative position, a source of material to be extracted communicating with said extractor, a movable charging gate for controlling the passage of material from said source to said extractor, control means electrically connected with said motor for varying the speed of said motor, said control means comprising a circuit, resistance in said circuit, a movable member movable back and forth over said resistance to increase and decrease the amount of resistance in said circuit respectively, reversible actuating means for said member, normally closed swinging switches positioned in the path of said member at opposite limits of its travel to be alternately opened by said member, a circuit including said actuating means and one of said swinging switches, trip means for closing said actuating means circuit, a continuing circuit including said actuating means and the same swinging switch to cause said member to traverse its path of movement in one direction and to open said swinging switch when it reaches the end of said path, means for reversing the movement of said actuating means and member, means for continuing the operation of said actuating means and member, stoppage means for interrupting the action of said last named means to enable the extractor to be driven at uniform relatively slow speed of operation for discharge, means operatively associated with said actuating means and with said plow mechanism to cause resumption of movement of said actuating means in a direction to drive the member to decrease the amount of resistance in the circuit, and means operatively associated with said charging gate and with said actuating means'to cause stoppage of said actuating means and said member when said charging gate is in open position.

7. In combination, an extractor, amotor for driving saidextractor, movable control means for varying the speed of said motor, trip means for initiating movement of said control means to move the same toward low speed position of said; I

extractor motor, said control means having cooperating parts for arresting the movement'of said control means in a decelerated speed of the extractor motor suitable for discharge of said extractor, a movable plow member for the extractor movable to an operative position within the extractor to discharge-the same and to an inoperative position, means operatively associated with said plow member and said control means to again put said control means in motion to accelerate said extractor motor when said plow is in inoperative position, means for arresting the movement of said control means at a relatively higher speed of said extractor and motor suitable for charging, and means for setting said control means in motion again in a direction to increase the speed of said motor and extractor to cause said motor and extractor to again resume extraction speed.

8. In combination, an extractor, a motor for driving said extractor, movable control means for varying the speed of said motor, trip means for initiating movement of said control means in a direction to decrease the speed of said motor, said control means having cooperating parts for arresting the movement of said control means in a decelerated speed of the extractor motor suitable for discharge, a movable plow member for the extractor movable to operative and inoperative positions, means operatively associated with said plow means and said control means to again put said control means in motion to accelerate said motor and extractor subsequent to discharge when said plow means is in inoperative position, means for maintaining said motor and extractor at a relatively high uniform speed suitable for charging, means for setting said control means in motion again subsequent to charging to cause the motor and extractor to resume extraction speed, wash means for delivering wash water to said extractor, governor means for the wash means having a trip part, and means operatively associated with said trip means for said control means, and said trip part for said wash means governor for causing actuation of the wash means in timed relationship to the act of initiating movement of said control means.

9. In combination, an extractor, an extractor motor connected to operate said extractor, a control means connected to said motor for varying the speed of said motor to a slow discharging speed, an intermediate charging speed, and a high extracting speed, means for charging said extractor, control means for said charging means, discharge means for discharging said extractor, control means for said discharging means, means for actuating said extractor motor control means to move the same to the slow speed position of said extractor motor, means associated with said discharging means and said extractor motor control means actuating means for causing said actuating means to move said extractor motor control means to said intermediate charging speed of said extractor motor when the discharging operation is completed, and means associated with said charging control means and with said actuating means to cause said actuating means to resume movement of said extractor motor, control means toghigh extracting speed position of said extractor motor when said charging operation is completed. 10. In combination, a plurality of centrifugals mounted in succession, each centrifugal having a discharge means, a conveyor common to all said centrifugals disposed to receive discharged material from said discharge means, control means for each centrifugal adapted to cause its respective centrifugal to execute its cycle of operations, a starting means for each of said control means, said starting means all being arranged at intervals throughout a common path, trip means and driving means for said trip means, said trip means being arranged for travel through said path to successively operate said starting means in-succession and at fixed intervals of time for a given time of one extractor cycle, means operatively associated with the control means for each extractor for changing the total time of the cycle for an extractor while at the same time maintaining equal time intervals between successive operations of the cycle. a

11. In combination, a battery of centrifugals, each of said centrifugals being provided with a discharge means, a conveyor common to said centrifugals and positioned to receive material discharged from said discharge means, constant speed control means for each of said centrifugals to cause it to execute its cycle of operation, starting means for each of said control means, said starting means being arranged at intervals throughout a common path, a trip means and driving means for said trip means, said tripmeans being arranged for travel through said path to operate said starting means in sequence, and means for varying the rate of movement of the driving means for the trip means to enlarge or diminish the interval of time of operation for each of said extractors before its control means is tripped for requiring each centrifugal to perform its cycle at equally spaced intervals of time and 20 in successive pace with respect to each other.

JACOB J NEUMANi 

